Impact of Athletic Footwear on Balance in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Brenton-Rule Angela, Walsh Annie, Bassett Sandra, Rome Keith
Primary Institution: AUT University
Hypothesis
Does wearing different types of athletic footwear affect postural stability in older adults compared to being barefoot?
Conclusion
Wearing athletic shoes increases postural sway in older adults compared to being barefoot.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants showed increased postural sway when wearing athletic shoes compared to being barefoot.
- Significant differences in postural sway were observed with eyes open and closed.
- The study suggests a potential benefit of athletic footwear for functional ability over time.
Takeaway
Older people may wobble more when wearing certain athletic shoes than when they are barefoot, which could help them stay balanced in the long run.
Methodology
The study involved 21 older adults who were tested for balance while wearing two types of shoes and barefoot, using a pressure mat to measure postural sway.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional and does not assess long-term effects of footwear on postural stability.
Participant Demographics
Older adults with a mean age of 74 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website